You did it! You conquered college applications, been accepted, and showed up to begin your journey as a first-generation student. But to be honest, it isn’t easy. You’re navigating academics, independence, and a whole new social landscape. You will have questions, that’s no secret. So how do you find success when you’re stepping on campus for the first time?
Being a first-generation student, or a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree, can be an exciting but nerve-racking place to begin your college journey. Even before you get to your school of choice, there are so many things you may not understand or know how to do – like finding which colleges interest you, applying for admission and scholarships, or figuring out what you need to pack to live in a dorm. Even though you may not have a parent or guardian who has graduated from college, you can gain some insight to set yourself up for success.
Tip #1: Trust your Leaders, and Establish your On-Campus Support Team
When you start your first semester as a college student, you are going to have a lot of questions. As you move through your academic career, you will come up with even more – what if you take the wrong classes, or pick the wrong major? What if the courses are more difficult than you are prepared for?
That is why the first, and most important part of your college journey is to ask for help and establish a support system. There are no silly questions, and the staff and faculty at your school are there to help you get to where you want to be – or if they can’t, to connect you to someone who can.
Not to mention, more than half of undergraduate students are first-gen at UW-Green Bay – so you know you’re not alone! When you are a first-generation student here, there are resources galore to help you feel comfortable and welcome when you start your college journey, and answer any of those questions that pop up along the way. You can even live with other first-generation students in the R.E. Small Hall First Gen Phoenix Living Community.
There are student organizations, mentorships, a guidebook – there’s even courses and a whole week dedicated to first-generation students! The most difficult step is the first one, so come into college with an open mind about asking for help. Everyone makes mistakes, what is important is rising above them!
Tip #2: Trust your Fellow Phoenix. You Belong Here!
As a first-generation student, it can feel like no matter how much you prepare, you won’t fit in as well as other students who might know what to expect. The reality is, no one feels like they fit in perfectly right away. As you go along your academic path, you will become familiar with starting new classes, finding your way around the campus, and going about daily life as a college student – which is why a first-generation student’s next greatest skill is gaining confidence!
When you are stepping into the higher education world for the first time, it can feel like you don’t belong. This is not true! At UW-Green Bay, our large first-generation student population motivates us to support learners like you. Our university takes pride in being First Gen Forward, meaning we have been recognized as a higher education institution committed to maximizing experiences and outcome for all first-generation students.
One of the things many first-gen students are curious about are scholarships. At UW-Green Bay, we make it easy find and apply to scholarships that fit to your situation and can help you with any questions you have. Know that you are not alone!
Tip#3: Trust Yourself. Enjoy Your Rise!
Lastly, be kind to yourself. It is important to slow down and recognize how difficult college is for anyone, much less for someone who doesn’t know what to expect. Invest time in taking care of yourself, hanging out with friends and family, and enjoying your college experience. Make connections, learn, grow, and have fun! The time will fly by, and before you know it you will be the first in your family to graduate from college! You have so much to be proud of.
Maddie Paulsen is a first-generation student, in her final year at UW-Green Bay, studying marketing. She has worked as the Social Media Assistant and Marketing and University Communications Assistant throughout her 3-year journey at UWGB. A Green Bay native, Maddie transferred to UWGB after completing her Digital Marketing Technical Diploma and Certificate at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
